MPs will today discuss lifting the Northern Ireland abortion ban after Labour backbencher Stella Creasy was granted permission for an emergency debate.
The motion will relate to repealing the Offences Against the People Act, which initially outlawed abortion. It follows the Republic of Ireland's referendum on abortion, which saw 66 per cent of voters back lifting the ban in that country.
The three-hour debate could culminate in a vote, although it will not be binding on the government. Theresa May has previously insisted the issue is a matter for Northern Ireland's leaders.
Elsewhere, the Cabinet is due to discuss Heathrow expansion, with a third runway at the airport likely to be given the go-ahead.
Live Updates
12:00
MPs have warned that a "conveyor belt" of ministers holding the equalities brief is undermining progress. Here's Lizzy Buchan's story:
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11:30
NEW: This is interesting... Reports suggest the government is about to give its backing to plans to lift the abortion ban in Northern Ireland. Downing Street has previously insisted the issue is a matter for Northern Irish politicians, but it seems a fairly big U-turn could be on the way, with Karen Bradley, the Northern Ireland secretary, preparing to confirm ministers' support for legal reform AND admit it is something the UK government could implement...
11:16
The head of Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has said a no deal Brexit would cost business £20bn a year.
John Thompson told the Treasury Committee the costs would be similar to the "max fac" customs option favoured by Brexiteers, because both would force companies to carry out customs declarations for imports and exports.
10:56
The Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee is seeking a vote of MPs to force the director of the Vote Leave campaign to answer its questions.
10:16
A number of crunch votes on the flagship EU Withdrawal Bill will be held in the Commons next Tuesday, and a new poll suggests the public are more against Brexit than at any point since the 2016 referendum.
47 per cent now believe the decision to quit the bloc was wrong, while 40 per cent still think it was the right move.
09:58
Cressida Dick, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, is currently answering questions form the Home Affairs Select Committee.
She says budget cuts have had an impact on crime rates, including the rise in knife crime, telling MPs:
"It is a very serious issue...of course austerity has probably had something to do with it...I would be naive to suggest that reduced numbers of officers on the street, for a whole variety of reasons, including reducing officer numbers overall, has had no impact. I'm sure it's had an impact."
However, she insists this is only one of many issues behind the rise in some types of crime.
09:43
The latest survey by Conservative Home won't make happy reading for Theresa May...
09:31
The Cabinet will meet this morning to discuss whether to give their approval to plans for a third runway at Heathrow. The government has previously endorsed expansion of the airport - a problem for Boris Johnson, who is opposed to it. Reports suggest the foreign secretary could be given permission to miss a future parliamentary vote on the issue.
Boris Johnson to be allowed to miss vote on Heathrow's controversial third runway
Ministers with West London seats could even be allowed to vote against their own government’s policy - because it is a 'constituency issue'
09:15
Welcome to The Independent's live coverage from Westminster ahead of today's House of Commons debate on lifting the abortion ban in Northern Ireland.
